Morning school across Odisha from April 1

Odisha Sun Times Bureau
Bhubaneswar, Mar 17:

Schools across Odisha will have new timings from April 1 in view of the approaching summer.

In a measure aimed at preventing sun stroke, the Odisha government today issued a circular to all schools – both private and government – across the state to ensure that they open at 6.30 AM and close at 10.30 AM..

The circular said no school in the state will remain open after 11 AM and directed school authorities to finish their mid-day meals by 10.30 AM. School authorities have been further asked to complete all examinations by March 31 and make adequate provision for drinking water and first aid facilities during the days of the examinations.

The 2015-16 new academic year will commence from April 2 and all schools have been directed to observe April 1 as Utkal Divas in the circular.

In schools, which do not tube wells or drinking water facilities, headmasters will be required to advise students to get water bottles and umbrellas from their homes.

Students cannot be forced to do physical exercise against their will, the circular said. The department has directed schools to close schools for summer vacation by May 4.

After being approved by School and Mass Education Minister Debi Prasad Mishra, the circular was issued to all directorates by School and Mass Education department secretary Usha Padhi .